A good risk on a combo of genres

Rating: 8/10 (6 July 2003)

I heard a lot about this film, and the previews looked interesting, so I decided to give it a try over T3 and the other summer films. Overall, it reminded me a lot of "From Dusk to Dawn": a combination of genres in a so-called horror film. BUT...
I respect Danny Boyle for some of the risks he takes in cinema (at least, when it's not a commercial film he's doing). First, the use of digital video gives the film a feel of authenticity, a la "Blair Witch Project". Second, the one thing I really loved in this film was the opening sequence with the main character walking through an empty London. How they did it is beyond me; heck, I really don't want to know-that's real movie magic. Third, rock music seems to be the atmosphere-setter in Boyle's films, and once again, he utilizes songs well to set an atmosphere. Finally, combining a survival film with a road trip film and a zombie flick is tough, but Boyle does manage to narrate the film well. Furthermore, he directs a cast of no-names with good command; their interactions are believeable (for the most part).
Yes, the zombie theory is more believeable in this film (when compared to others). There were a few times when it felt like the acting was "pushed". For me, though, what could have made the movie better was a few cuts during the road trip segment and during the 3rd act of the movie. Otherwise, a definite recommendation, especiallly over films in the summer of 2003 like "Legally Blonde 2", "2 Fast 2 Furious" and "Charlie's Angels 2".